Florida government argues case against gay adoptions at appeals court [video]
”[Being gay] is the only absolute disqualifier, as far as I can tell. How can that be justified?”
Judge Gerald Cope, Jr, one of three judges on the appeals panel hearing the case being made by the state on behalf of Florida’s Department of Children and Families, a government agency that seeks to continue a ban on adoptions by gay people in that state. Florida is currently the only state to have such a law in place. According to the Miami Herald, Judge Cope was noting that lawmakers have not chosen to forbid drug addicts, child molesters and murders from adopting — but in the case of someone being gay, they’re automatically disqualified. (Miami Herald)
”There is evidence that homosexuals have higher rates of mental disorders, suicide and domestic violence. This is a plausible rationale.”
Timothy Osterhaus, deputy solicitor general, speaking for the Florida Department of Children and Families. DCF is appealing a ruling made in November of 2008 by a circuit court judge that the 33-year-old ban on gay adoptions is unconstitutional. The case revolves around Martin Gill of Miami who is trying to adopt a pair of brothers whom he has cared for for several years. Florida does allow gays to foster children, but the blanket ban on allowing gays to become adoptive parents was enacted in 1977, in large part, due to the efforts of the infamous beauty queen and champion of social conservatism, Anita Bryant. (Miami Herald)
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